Somervell County, Texas

Somervell County sits in north central Texas, just a short drive from Fort Worth. Glen Rose, the county seat, proudly calls itself the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.” You can actually walk along dinosaur tracks here, with Dinosaur Valley State Park being the county’s biggest attraction.

The Paluxy River winds through the county, creating pretty stretches of water and scenery along the way. Somervell is one of the smallest counties in Texas, but there’s plenty packed into its borders. Fossil hunting is a favorite activity, especially for anyone fascinated by what once roamed this part of Texas.

Then there’s the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, which stands out across the landscape. For all its prehistoric fame, Somervell County wasn’t established until 1875. That’s the fun of this place—it brings ancient dinosaur history together with modern-day Texas.

CategoryDetails
County NameSomervell County
County SeatGlen Rose
PopulationApproximately 10,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesGlen Rose, Acton, Paluxy
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 67, State Highway 144
FIPS Code48-425
Total Area (Land and Water)317 square miles (306 sq mi land, 11 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Hood County (North), Johnson County (East), Bosque County (South), Erath County (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateTexas
Coordinates32°14’N, 97°46’W
EtymologyNamed after Alexander Somervell, a soldier in the Texas Revolution and leader of the Somervell Expedition
Major LandmarksFossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose Historic District
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